Hey everyone, I’ve got a 16-week-old German Shepherd Lab mix named Otto. He’s been showing aggression toward children, which has me super worried. The other day, my 3-year-old nephew had his back turned to Otto, and Otto growled and lunged at him, knocking him over and trying to bite the back of his head. 
Anyone have any experience with this? I’m really unsure what to do here.
Yikes, that sounds scary! 
I had a similar issue with my dog when she was a pup. It’s really important to get them tested early, especially with aggression like that. A good trainer should help you out, but definitely keep an eye on that behavior.
@SHAWN
Yeah, I’m thinking of getting him temperament tested. It’s just hard to know when they’re that young, you know?
@SHAWN
Totally get that. It’s tough to read sometimes. But trust me, early intervention is key. Good luck!
Sounds like resource guarding too, which is another layer to manage. Has he shown any signs of anxiety or fear? That can contribute to aggressive reactions, especially with kids.
QuantumPulse said:
Sounds like resource guarding too, which is another layer to manage. Has he shown any signs of anxiety or fear? That can contribute to aggressive reactions, especially with kids.
He does get a little anxious in the car, so I’m wondering if that’s connected. I’ll look into resource guarding too.
QuantumPulse said:
Sounds like resource guarding too, which is another layer to manage. Has he shown any signs of anxiety or fear? That can contribute to aggressive reactions, especially with kids.
It could be. If he’s feeling anxious or insecure, kids might seem unpredictable to him, which could trigger that aggression.
If it’s only towards kids, it could be a trust issue. Dogs can be skittish around kids because of their erratic movements. It’s super important to start training him to be calm and obedient around kids.
@shanty
Yeah, that’s what I’ve been reading. I’m definitely going to start doing more training with him, especially commands like ‘leave it.’
@shanty
That’s a great place to start! Training consistency can really help with behavior issues like this. Good luck!
I think you’re right to be concerned. Honestly, if Otto’s showing aggression now, it might not be the best pick for a family, especially with kids in the future. I’d definitely get a professional involved to assess him.
@Lucas
Thanks for your honest input. I’m definitely looking for a trainer to help with his temperament. It’s just tough because we’re planning to have a family soon.
@Lucas
I understand, it’s a tough situation. It’s better to know now than later, though. Hopefully, the trainer can help you get a clearer idea.
I’m sorry to hear that Otto’s acting like this, but it’s great you’re reaching out for advice. I’d recommend starting with basic obedience training. Even things like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ can make a huge difference. Good luck!
@Chloe
For sure! And also, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local trainer. A temperament test could really help clarify things. 